New forests in the Darien region of Panama are being planted, but not like those that once covered the Darien. Instead plantations of teak - a non-native species - are becoming a regular sight as investors take a long-term gamble on big returns from tropical hardwoods. With environmental concerns bringing tighter restrictions on exports and consumption of wood from tropical primary forest, the production of tropical timber in plantations is growing. Teak is producers' favourite because it grows quickly, is resistant, and is seen as having strong demand.